Montreal is a beautiful city itself, yet when you go beyond the big buildings and into the surrounding nature, you truly see how beautiful the entire region is.
With vast mountain ranges, huge national parks, and protected reserves, hiking in nature should be on the top of your Montreal itinerary, no matter the length of your trip.
There are plenty of hiking trails among all the beautiful scenery, allowing you to breathe in the freshest air, reconnect with mother earth, and get fit simultaneously.
With so much choice, you’ll find hiking near Montreal for all levels and abilities.
So whether you prefer a gentle lakeside stroll or a challenging mountain climb, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best hikes near Montreal.
Nez-de-l’Indien, Mont-Tremblant National Park
- Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- Duration: 2 -3 hours
Many fabulous hiking trails in Mont-Tremblant are unfortunately geared towards experienced hikers. However, the 9 km Nez-de-l’Indien trail is only moderately challenging, with a doable elevation gain of 363 meters.
It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Nez-de-l’Indien, which sits 472 meters above sea level. The trail gives many incredible views of Lake Tremblant, and the vista from the top is breathtaking.
You’ll find the trailhead and parking lot at the end of Chem. Thomas Robert in Lac Tremblant Nord.
I recommend visiting in the autumn, as the fall foliage here is magnificent. However, it is a popular trail this time of year so start early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
While you will need a certain fitness level to complete this route, it’s not too strenuous for most and is suitable for older children.
Dieppe Trail, Mont Saint. Hilaire
- Distance: 5.1 miles (8.2 km)
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
If you’re looking for the best hiking near Montreal, which is less than one hour from the city, head to Mont Saint. Hilaire.
This peaceful nature reserve is just 42 km from downtown Montreal and has around 25 km of hiking trails, including the 8.2 km out and back Dieppe Trail.
The moderately challenging route takes you to one of the highest points in Mont Ste. Hilaire gives incredible vistas of the city and Lake Hertel.
The Dieppe Trail is located in Gault Nature Reserve and is owned by McGill University. It has over 1,000 hectares of protected forest, so it is one of the best places to go hiking in the fall, as you’ll witness a dazzling array of warm orange and golden hues.
Although the trail is not too difficult, you may encounter some rocky sections close to the summit, so proper hiking shoes are essential. You’ll find the trailhead on Chem. des Moulins, just off Chem. de la Montagne.
The Gorge Canyon Trail, Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
- Distance: 2.1 miles (3.5 km)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
The Gorge Canyon Trail is undoubtedly one of the most epic hiking trails near Montreal. The route crosses the magnificent 169-meter-long, 50-meter-high suspension bridge over the canyon and is surrounded by lush forest, creating a magical setting.
The bridge walk leads to an observation tower where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Gorge and the rest of the park. You will then go down into the 15,000-year-old canyon for a different perspective, looking up at the bridge.
The creation of this canyon began during the last Ice Age, and it continues to deepen, dropping approximately 3 mm (0.1 inches) each year.
The trail is flat, easy, and family-friendly. There is signage all around, revealing the area’s history, and there is even a small cave.
And don’t worry if you usually get queasy on suspension bridges, as this one doesn’t move much. Gorge Park is a 2-hour drive from Montreal, and you’ll find the trailhead just past Pont Rouge on Rue Saint-Marc.
Mount Pinacle Loop, Coaticook
- Distance: (2.7 miles) 4.3 km
- Duration: 1- 1.5 hours
Mount Pinacle is a 665m-high peak situated right by the Quebec/Vermont border. The mountain overlooks Lake Lyster and gives stunning views across both states.
What’s more, it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in the region, and there are three different trail options, ranging from easy to demanding.
The Mount Pinacle Loop is the gentlest trail here and takes an average of 75 minutes to complete. Therefore, you can quickly get up to the summit for sunset and then back down before dark.
However, if you are looking for a challenge, you can take the more strenuous trail to the top and the easy one back down.
Mount Pinacle is approximately 160 kilometers from Montreal, so it is not one of the closest hiking areas. However, if you have a car and the time, it’s well worth the 2+ hour drive there and back.
The trailhead is close to the parking lot near the small church on Chem. May.
Mount Brassard Loop, Regional Park of Seven Falls
- Distance: 3.9 miles (6.3 km)
- Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
You’ll find the beautiful Regional Park of Seven Falls in Saint-Zénon, less than a 2-hour drive from Montreal. This pristine, untouched landscape has seven waterfalls, including the 60-meter veil of the Bride Fall, which is higher than Niagara Falls.
The regional park also has 19 km of hiking trails, including the 6.3 km Mount Brassard Loop. This moderately challenging hiking route features seven lookout points and a maximum altitude of 600 meters.
Therefore, you’ll be sure to enjoy excellent vistas of lack River Valley, Lake Rémi and Saint-Zénon, and more.
Regional Park of Seven Falls is particularly wonderful during fall but is also a popular spot for summer hiking around Montreal. You’ll find the trailhead at the welcome center on Chem. Brassard.
Grand Tour Circuit, Yamaska National Park
- Distance: 11.2 miles (18 km)
- Duration: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Yamaska National Park surrounds a large, scenic reservoir 92 km from Montreal. The national park offers the best hiking near Montreal for lakeside views as the Grand Tour Circuit loops around the entire lake, staying beside the waterfront for more than half the route.
The rest of the trail travels through untouched forest and passes numerous small streams.
The Grand Tour Circuit is a long but easy walking trail with a total elevation gain of 100 meters. The loop takes around 4 hours to complete, so ensure you are well stocked up on water and energy snacks.
Yamaska is located on the banks of the North Yamaska River near the city of Granby. You’ll find the trailhead at the Discovery and Visitor’s Centre. A small beach is close to the parking lot, too, which makes for a lovely detour during the summer.
Mont-Chauve Trail, Mont-Orford
- Distance: 6.8 miles (10.9 km)
- Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
Slightly further east from Yamaska National Park is another of the best places for hiking near Montreal, Mont-Orford National Park. Mont-Orford is also home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the Eastern Townships.
Therefore, the trails here are suitable for snowshoeing in the winter.
The 10.9 km Mont-Chauve Trail is a fab challenge for those with previous hiking experience. The intermediate route features a 370-meter elevation gain.
Even so, there are various viewpoints along the way to distract you from your tired feet. Several lakes surround the peak, and wildlife sightings are common, such as porcupines, deer, and rabbits.
The route is well-marked, but the trail can be slippery after recent rain or ice, so hiking boots and poles are essential, or snowshoes in the winter. You’ll find the trailhead on the Chem. du Camping road, close to Lac Stukely.
Grand Brule To Pic White, Mont-Tremblant National Park
- Distance: 7.3 miles (11.7 km)
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
We end this list with one of the most challenging hiking trails near Montreal, perfect for experienced hikers. The strenuous Grand Brule to Pic White trail at Mont-Tremblant National Park is almost 12 km one way with an uphill 638-meter climb!
The hike takes you to the summit of Pic White, which sits 878 meters above sea level. The trail weaves through forest terrain with several viewpoints along the way, showcasing the meadows, waterfalls, and lakes in the natural park.
Many sections contain loose rocks, so proper hiking boots and poles are essential. Plus, as it’s a 3-4 hour hike one way, you’ll need to take plenty of water and snacks.
The good news is that you can zipline back down from the summit, but you need to book in advance. There is also a seasonal ski lift but be sure to check it is operating before you start your hike.
Final Thoughts On Hiking Near Montreal
This is just a small selection of the vast amount of hiking options near Montreal. This picturesque region is full of breathtaking landscapes and beautiful natural wonders.
What’s more, you can hike near Montreal all year round as many of the trails are suitable for snowshoeing during the winter.
If you prefer to hike directly in the city, check out these fun hikes in Montreal.
If you love outdoor adventures, you might also like to explore waterfalls near Montreal.
